Tic, convulsive — VA Diagnostic Code 8103

Mild, moderate, and severe

The schedule prints those three words and does not define them. Our reading stops there: we do not supply a definition the regulation omitted. 38 CFR § 4.6 (Evaluation of evidence) requires the rater to study every element of the evidence “to the end that decisions will be equitable and just.” 38 CFR § 4.7 (Higher of two evaluations) says the higher evaluation is assigned when the disability picture “more nearly approximates the criteria required for that rating. Otherwise, the lower rating will be assigned.”

Frequency, severity, and muscle groups

The note says the level depends “upon frequency, severity, muscle groups involved.” Frequency is how often spasms are recorded. Severity in the note is not defined, and it is not the same thing as the level-word “severe.” Muscle groups are the muscles the record names. An examiner’s adjective is evidence. The note does not say the adjective is the rating.

Codes the rater may use instead, or that point back here

How does VA rate a convulsive tic?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, Diagnostic Code 8103, VA rates a convulsive tic at 0 percent (mild), 10 percent (moderate), or 30 percent (severe). The note says the level depends “upon frequency, severity, muscle groups involved.” The schedule does not define mild, moderate, or severe. The rater weighs the evidence under § 4.6, and assigns the higher level when the picture more nearly approximates it under § 4.7. Otherwise the lower rating is assigned. Education only. The current name on eCFR is still “Tic, convulsive.”

Is DC 8103 being renamed hemifacial spasm?

VA proposed that rename on November 12, 2024 (89 FR 88917), with the current title kept in parentheses and with no change to the 0, 10, and 30 percent criteria. Comments closed January 13, 2025. A Federal Register search on September 28, 2026 found the proposed rule and no final rule adopting it. The eCFR, up to date as of 2026-09-24, still reads “Tic, convulsive.” The proposal is not the rating schedule until a final rule says so.

How does VA rate a convulsive tic under DC 8103?

Under 38 CFR § 4.124a, DC 8103 rates “Tic, convulsive” at 0 percent for mild, 10 percent for moderate, and 30 percent for severe. The note says the level depends “upon frequency, severity, muscle groups involved.” The schedule does not define those three words. Section 4.6 requires a full reading of the evidence. Section 4.7 assigns the higher evaluation when the picture more nearly approximates it, and otherwise the lower one.

What is the difference between mild, moderate, and severe?

The regulation does not say. It prints the three words and a note listing frequency, severity, and the muscle groups involved. Those factors are what the record should describe. Sections 4.6 and 4.7 are the rules for choosing between two levels. An examiner’s label is evidence. The note does not say the label is the rating. This page invents no spasm count that equals 10 or 30 percent.

What is the maximum under DC 8103?

Thirty percent, for “severe.” The code also lists 10 percent for moderate and 0 percent for mild. It does not list 50, 60, or 100 percent. DC 8104 says “Rate as tic; convulsive; severe cases,” at 60 percent. That 60 percent is DC 8104, not a level of DC 8103. VA applies the code the decision names.

What does 8199-8103 on a rating decision mean?

38 CFR § 4.27 (Use of diagnostic code numbers) builds an unlisted condition as two digits for the body system plus “99.” So 8199-8103 is an unlisted neurological condition rated by analogy to DC 8103. 38 CFR § 4.20 (Analogous ratings) requires closely analogous functions, location, and symptoms. The DC 8103 words still apply.

Is VA changing DC 8103 to hemifacial spasm?

Only as a proposal. On November 12, 2024, VA proposed renaming the code “Hemifacial spasm,” keeping the old name in parentheses, with no change to the criteria (89 FR 88917). Comments closed January 13, 2025. As of September 28, 2026, no final rule was found. eCFR, up to date as of 2026-09-24, still says “Tic, convulsive.”